Fiber distribution hub with swing frame and modular termination panels

ABSTRACT

A fiber distribution system includes one or more fiber distribution hubs (FDHs) that provide an interface at a termination panel between incoming fibers routed from a central office and outgoing fibers routed to network subscribers. Termination modules can be incrementally added to the termination panel. The FDH can include one or more optical splitter modules that split an optical signal into two or more signals. The optical splitter modules can be incrementally added along with one or more storage modules. The subscriber termination panel, optical splitters, and storage modules can be provided on a swing frame.

BACKGROUND

Passive optical networks are becoming prevalent in part because serviceproviders want to deliver high bandwidth communication capabilities tocustomers. Passive optical networks are a desirable choice fordelivering high-speed communication data because they may not employactive electronic devices, such as amplifiers and repeaters, between acentral office and a subscriber termination. The absence of activeelectronic devices may decrease network complexity and/or cost and mayincrease network reliability.

FIG. 1 illustrates a network 100 deploying passive fiber optic lines. Asshown, the network 100 can include a central office 101 that connects anumber of end subscribers 105 (also called end users 105 herein) in anetwork. The central office 101 can additionally connect to a largernetwork such as the Internet (not shown) and a public switched telephonenetwork (PSTN). The network 100 can also include fiber distribution hubs(FDHs) 103 having one or more optical splitters (e.g., 1-to-8 splitters,1-to-16 splitters, or 1-to-32 splitters) that generate a number ofindividual fibers that may lead to the premises of an end user 105. Thevarious lines of the network 100 can be aerial or housed withinunderground conduits.

The portion of the network 100 that is closest to central office 101 isgenerally referred to as the F1 region, where F1 is the “feeder fiber”from the central office 101. The portion of the network 100 closest tothe end users 105 can be referred to as an F2 portion of network 100.The network 100 includes a plurality of break-out locations 102 at whichbranch cables are separated out from the main cable lines. Branch cablesare often connected to drop terminals 104 that include connectorinterfaces for facilitating coupling of the fibers of the branch cablesto a plurality of different subscriber locations 105.

Splitters used in an FDH 103 can accept a feeder cable F1 having anumber of fibers and may split those incoming fibers into, for example,216 to 432 individual distribution fibers that may be associated with alike number of end user locations. In typical applications, an opticalsplitter is provided prepackaged in an optical splitter module housingand provided with a splitter output in pigtails that extend from themodule. The splitter output pigtails are typically connectorized with,for example, SC, LC, or LX.5 connectors. The optical splitter moduleprovides protective packaging for the optical splitter components in thehousing and thus provides for easy handling for otherwise fragilesplitter components. This modular approach allows optical splittermodules to be added incrementally to FDHs 103 as required.

SUMMARY

Certain aspects of the disclosure relate to fiber optic cable systems.

In example systems, a fiber distribution system includes one or morefiber distribution hubs (FDHs) that provide an interface between thecentral office and the subscribers.

Certain aspects of the invention relate to cable routing configurations.

Other aspects of the invention relate to enhanced access and scalabilitythrough the use of modular subscriber termination components and modularsplitters.

A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in thedescription that follows. The inventive aspects can relate to individualfeatures and to combinations of features. It is to be understood thatboth the forgoing general description and the following detaileddescription are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictiveof the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosedherein are based.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a passive fiber optic network;

FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of an example fiber distribution hubhaving a cabinet with front doors shown in a closed position;

FIG. 2B is a front perspective view of the fiber distribution hub ofFIG. 2A with the cabinet doors shown in an open position;

FIG. 2C is a front perspective view of the fiber distribution hub ofFIG. 2A with a swing frame swung out of the cabinet;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example cable routing schemefor the fiber distribution hub of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the swing frame of FIG. 2Cisolated from the fiber distribution hub;

FIG. 5 is a front side view of the swing frame of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a right side view of the swing frame of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the swing frame of FIG. 4;

FIGS. 8A-8C show one example of a splitter module of the distributionhub of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 9 shows an example splitter module having eight output fibersincluding connectorized ends secured to a storage module;

FIG. 10 depicts one example cable/fiber route from a splitter modulemounted on a swing frame to a storage module mounted on the swing frame;

FIG. 11 depicts on example cable/fiber route from a splitter modulemounted on a swing frame to a termination module mounted on the swingframe;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are front and rear perspective views of an exampletermination module of the distribution hub of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of the swing frame of FIG. 4;

FIG. 14 is another perspective view of the swing frame of FIG. 4;

FIG. 15 is a left side view of the swing frame of FIG. 4;

FIG. 16 is a rear view of a swing frame including example interfacedevices and cable management devices mounted at the rear side of a swingframe;

FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view depicting one example configurationof interface devices and cable management devices on a swing frame;

FIG. 18 is a rear perspective view depicting another exampleconfiguration of interface devices and cable management devices; and

FIG. 19 is a rear perspective view depicting yet another exampleconfiguration of interface devices and cable management devices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIGS. 2-7, an example fiber distribution hub (FDH) 200in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure is shown.The FDH 200 includes a cabinet 201 that houses internal components. Thecabinet 201 includes openings through which a feeder cable (e.g., or F1cable) 700 and a subscriber cable 708 enter and exit the cabinet 201(see FIG. 2C). A swing frame 300 is pivotably mounted on hinges 355within the cabinet 201. The swing frame 300 includes bulkhead 301 thatdivides the swing frame 300 into a front portion 302 (see FIG. 4) and aback portion 304 (see FIG. 2C). The bulkhead 301 includes a main panel310 having a termination region 311 and a storage region 313. Generally,at least one termination module 400 (see FIGS. 13A and 13B) is providedat the termination region 311 and at least one storage module 600 (seeFIG. 9) is provided at the storage region 313. In some embodiments, thebulkhead 301 also includes a secondary panel 315 positioned adjacent themain panel 310 and configured for cable management. One or more feedercable interfaces 800 can be positioned within the rear portion of theswing frame 300. At least one splitter module housing 322 accommodatingone or more splitter modules 500 is positioned at the top of the swingframe 300.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example cable routing schemefor the FDH 200. The FDH 200 generally administers connections at atermination panel between incoming fiber and outgoing fiber in anOutside Plant (OSP) environment. As the term is used herein, “aconnection” between fibers includes both direct and indirectconnections. Examples of incoming fibers include the feeder cable fibersthat enter the cabinet and intermediate fibers (e.g., connectorizedpigtails extending from splitters and patching fibers/jumpers) thatconnect the feeder cable fiber to the termination panel. Examples ofoutgoing fibers include the subscriber cable fibers that exit thecabinet and any intermediate fibers that connect the subscriber cablefibers to the termination panel. The FDH 200 provides an interconnectinterface for optical transmission signals at a location in the networkwhere operational access and reconfiguration are desired. For example,as noted above, the FDH 200 can be used to split the feeder cables andterminate the split feeder cables to distribution cables routed tosubscriber locations. In addition, the FDH 200 is designed toaccommodate a range of alternative sizes and fiber counts and supportfactory installation of pigtails, fanouts and splitters.

As shown at FIG. 3, a feeder cable 700 is initially routed into the FDH200 through the cabinet 201 (e.g., typically through the back or bottomof the cabinet 201 as shown in FIG. 2C). In certain embodiments, thefibers of the feeder cable 700 can include ribbon fibers. An examplefeeder cable 700 may include twelve to forty-eight individual fibersconnected to a service provider central office 101. In some embodiments,after entering the cabinet 201, the fibers of the feeder cable 700 arerouted to a feeder cable interface 800 (e.g., fiber optic adaptermodules, a splice tray, etc.). At the feeder cable interface 800, one ormore of the fibers of the feeder cable 700 are individually connected toseparate splitter input fibers 702. The splitter input fibers 702 arerouted from the feeder cable interface 800 to the splitter modulehousing 322. At the splitter module housing 322, the splitter inputfibers 702 are connected to separate splitter modules 500, wherein theinput fibers 702 are each split into multiple pigtails 704, each havingconnectorized ends 706. In other embodiments, however, the fibers of thefeeder cable 700 can be connectorized and can be routed directly to thesplitter modules 500 thereby bypassing or eliminating the need for anintermediate feeder cable interface 800.

When the pigtails 704 are not in service, the connectorized ends 706 canbe temporarily stored on a storage module 600 that is mounted at thestorage region 313 of the swing frame 300. When the pigtails 704 areneeded for service, the pigtails 704 are routed from the splittermodules 500 to a termination module 400 that is provided at thetermination region 311 of the swing frame 300. At the termination module400, the pigtails 704 are connected to the fibers of a distributioncable 708. The termination panel is the dividing line between theincoming fibers and the outgoing fibers. A typical distribution cable708 forms the F2 portion of a network (see FIG. 1) and typicallyincludes a plurality of fibers (e.g., 144, 216 or 432 fibers) that arerouted from the FDH 200 to subscriber locations 709.

In some embodiments, one or more of the fibers of the feeder cable 700are not connected to any of the splitter modules 500. Rather, thesefibers of the feeder cable 700 are connected to pass-through fibers 712having connectorized ends 714. The pass-through fibers 712 are connectedto the termination modules 400, without first connecting to the splittermodules 500. By refraining from splitting a fiber 712, a stronger signalcan be sent to one of the subscribers. The connectorized ends 714 of thepass-through fibers 712 can be stored at the storage region 313 when notin use.

Referring back to FIGS. 2A-2C, the cabinet 201 of the FDH 200 includes atop panel 202, a bottom panel 203, a right side panel 204, a left sidepanel 206, a back panel 205, and at least one front door. In someembodiments, the at least one front door includes a right door 210 and aleft door 212. In one embodiment, the front doors 210, 212 include alock 211. The at least one front door is pivotally mounted to thecabinet 201 using hinges 214, 216 to facilitate access to the componentsmounted within the cabinet 201.

In general, the cabinet 201 of the FDH 200 is configured to protect theinternal components against rain, wind, dust, rodents and othercontaminants. However, the cabinet 201 remains relatively lightweightfor easy installation, and breathable to prevent accumulation ofmoisture in the unit. In some embodiments, an aluminum construction witha heavy powder coat finish also provides for corrosion resistance. Inone example embodiment, the cabinet 201 is manufactured from heavy gaugealuminum and is NEMA-4X rated. In other embodiments, however, othermaterials can also be used.

In accordance with example embodiments, the FDH 200 is provided in polemount or pedestal mount configurations. For example, as shown in FIG. 2,loops 218 can be provided on the cabinet 201 for facilitating deploymentof the cabinet 201 at a desired location. The loops 218 can be used toposition the cabinet using a crane. In particular, the crane can lowerthe cabinet 201 into an underground region. In some embodiments, theloops 218 are removable or can be adjusted to not protrude from the topcabinet panel 202.

Still referring to FIGS. 2B-2C, the swing frame 300 of the FDH 200includes a top panel 320, a bottom panel 330, a right side panel 340,and a left side 341. A hinge-mounting strip 350 is positioned at theleft side 341 of the swing frame 300. As depicted at FIG. 4, thebulkhead 301 further includes a connecting panel 319 that connects themain panel 310 to the hinge-mounting strip 350. As shown best at FIG. 4,a portion 325 of the secondary panel 315 extends upwardly past the toppanel 320 of the swing frame 300. The bulkhead 301 extends verticallybetween the top and bottom panels 320, 330, and laterally between theright side panel 340 and the left side 341.

In some embodiments, the hinge-mounting strip 350 of the swing frame 300is mounted to the cabinet 201 of the FDH 200 using one or more hinges355. The hinges 355 enable the entirety of the swing frame 300,including the termination modules 400, the storage modules 600, thefeeder cable interface device 800, and the splitter modules 500, to beswung out of the front doors 210, 212 of the cabinet 201 to enableaccess to optical components in the rear portion 304 of the swing frame300 for cleaning, testing, maintenance, additions, etc. Pivoting theswing frame 300 out of the cabinet 201 causes the right side panel 340of the swing frame 300 to move away from the interior volume of thecabinet 201. In some example embodiments, the swing frame 300 can bepivoted ninety degrees or more out of the cabinet 201.

In some embodiments, the hinges 355 of the swing frame 300 arepositioned to provide a single point of flex for the fiber cable routedto the swing frame 300. This hinge point is constructed to control thefiber bend. In particular, the hinges 355 and cable management devices,which are discussed in greater detail herein, are designed to ensurethat manufacture recommended bend radii are maintained when the swingframe 300 is opened or closed. In one embodiment, the cabinet 201 can beconfigured at a factory, or plant, so as to have cable bundles dressedaround the hinges 355. Preconfiguring the cabinet 201 reduces the chancethat cabling will be done incorrectly.

When the swing frame 300 is in the open position, as shown in FIG. 2C,components in the rear portion 304 of the swing frame 300 areaccessible. For example, a rear side of the main panel 310 and a rearside of the secondary panel 315 are accessible. In addition, thesplitter modules 500 located in the splitter module housing 322 (seeFIG. 4) are accessible through the open top of the swing frame 300 whenthe swing frame 300 is swung out of the cabinet 201. In contrast, whenthe swing frame 300 is in the closed position (see FIG. 2B), onlycomponents on the front portion 302 of the swing frame 300 are readilyaccessible.

In example embodiments, the swing frame 300 includes a release latch(not shown) that locks the swing frame 300 in a closed position withinthe cabinet 201 of the FDH 200 until the latch is actuated. Once thelatch is actuated, the swing frame 300 can be pivoted out of the cabinet201. In addition, a pivoting locking member (not shown) can be mountedto rear side 304 of the swing frame 300 to hold the swing frame 300 inthe open position.

Referring to FIGS. 4-5, the storage region 313 of the swing frame 300 islocated below the termination region 311. In other embodiments, however,the storage region 313 can be above or adjacent to the terminationregion 311. In general, the termination region 311 defines at least onerectangular opening 312 through which adapters 450 (see FIGS. 13A-13B)from a termination module 400 extend. The termination modules 400 aredescribed in greater detail herein. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4,the termination region 311 includes two columns of openings 312 witheach column including twelve elongated slots. Strips 309 separate theopenings 312 of each column and provide surface area for adheringlabeling information (e.g., connector designation). The storage region313 also defines one or more openings 314 into which storage modules 600(see FIG. 9) are mounted. The storage modules 600 are described ingreater detail herein.

The bulkhead 301 bifurcates the bottom panel 330 into a front portion331 (see FIG. 4) and a rear portion 336 (see FIGS. 2C and 14). Ingeneral, the front portion 331 of the bottom panel 330 projectsforwardly from the bulkhead 301. In some embodiments, the front portion331 is further divided into a first front portion 332 and a second frontportion 334. Each front portion 332, 334 includes a flange 333, 335,respectively, that protrudes substantially perpendicular from the bottompanel 330. The front portion 331 of the bottom panel 330 thereby forms atrough configured to retain slack or excess fiber from the storageregion 313 or from the secondary panel 315. Edge 337 of the first frontportion 332 is angled to allow the swing frame 300 to pivot open withoutinterference from the trough.

As best shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the bulkhead divides the side panel 340into front and rear flanges 342, 344, respectively. The front flange 342extends forwardly from the secondary panel 315 and the rear flange 344extends rearwardly from the secondary panel 315. The rear flange 344extends from the bottom panel 330 to a bend limiter 962 extending fromthe top panel 320. The front flange 342 extends from the bottom panel330 past the top panel 320 to the protruding portion 325 of thesecondary panel 315. In some embodiments, the front flange 342 includesa forward portion 344 substantially parallel to the rear flange 344 andan angled portion 343 extending between the protruding portion 325 ofthe secondary panel 315 and the forward portion 344.

As best shown in FIG. 7, the top panel 320 of the swing frame 300 issubstantially rectangular. The top panel 320 includes front and backedges 326, 327. Flanges 323, 324 (see FIG. 4) protrude upward from theedges 326, 327, respectively. The top panel 320 also has a first end 328adjacent side 341 and a second, opposite end 329 adjacent the side panel340. A bend radius limiter 940 extends upward from the first end 328. Insome embodiments, a portion of the end 329 of the top panel 320 definesa width of a channel B with the front flange 342 of the side panel 340.The portion of the end 329 defining the channel B terminates beforereaching the remaining portion of the end 329. The depth of the channelB extends from the secondary panel 315 to the flange 335 of the secondfront portion 33 of the bottom panel 330.

The splitter module housing 322 of the FDH 200 is positioned on the toppanel 320 adjacent the first end 328. The splitter module housing 322serves to protect, organize, and secure the splitter modules 500 of theFDH 200. The splitter module housing 322 can be constructed in varioussizes to accommodate different numbers of splitter modules 500. Thesplitter module housing 322 is generally rectangular and defines one ormore locations within the open interior sized to accept one or moreoptical splitter modules 500. To accommodate the splitter modules 500,the module housing 322 includes structure for supporting/securing thesplitter modules 500. In example embodiments, the splitter modules 500are designed to snap into the splitter module housing 322. In oneembodiment, the splitter modules 500 are loaded into the splitter modulehousing 322 from front to back (i.e., from the side facing end 329 tothe side facing end 328). The module housing 322 is further configuredto enable the splitter modules 500 to receive an input fiber, such asfiber 702 of FIG. 3, on one end of the splitter module 500 and to outputmultiple fibers, such as pigtails 704 of FIG. 3, from the opposing endof the splitter 500.

Referring now to FIGS. 8A-8C, one type of splitter module 500 that canbe mounted in the splitter module housing 322 is a splitter having anintegral connector. FIG. 8A is a left side view of such a splittermodule 500. The splitter module 500 includes a housing 505 having atleast one protective boot 510 protruding frontwardly and at least oneintegral connector 520 protruding rearwardly. In the embodiment shown,two boots 510 protrude from the front and two integral connectors 520protrude rearwardly from the splitter housing 505. In one exampleembodiment (not shown), each splitter has four integral connectors 520.In some embodiments, a handle 540 also protrudes from the front end ofthe splitter housing 505. FIG. 8B is an exploded view of the splittermodule 500 of FIG. 8A showing the internal components of the splittermodule 500.

FIG. 8C shows a cross-section of the splitter module 500 of FIG. 7Ainserted in the splitter module housing 322. An adapter assembly 530 issecured to the splitter module housing 322 using a fastener 536. In oneembodiment, adapter assemblies 530 are mounted at the backside of thesplitter module housing 322. The adapter assembly 530 is configured toreceive the connectors 520 of the splitter module 500 when the splittermodule 500 is inserted into the splitter module housing 322. As shown,the adapter assembly 530 is further configured to receive an opposingconnector associated with the feeder cable 700. In some embodiments, theadapter assembly 530 receives a connector 703 terminating a splitterinput fiber 702. In other embodiments, the adapter assembly 530 receivesa connector 701 terminating the feeder cable 700 itself. In this way,the feeder cable fibers 700 can be readily coupled to the splittermodules 500.

Other embodiments of splitter modules 500 do not include integralconnectors 520. In such embodiments, adapter assemblies 530 are notmounted at the splitter module housing 322 and the feeder cables 700cannot be plugged directly into the splitter modules 500. Rather, inputpigtails (not shown) pass through the splitter housing 505 and enter thesplitter module 500. The opposing ends of the input pigtails can beconnectorized or unconnectorized. If the ends 701 terminate inconnectors (not shown), then the input fibers 702 are interfaced withthe feeder cable 700 using an adapter module 810 (see FIG. 18). If theends 701 are unconnectorized, then the input fibers 702 are spliced withthe feeder cable 700 using a splice tray 808 (see FIG. 19).

Typically, each splitter module 500 receives between one and four fibersand outputs between two and sixteen fibers 704 for every input fiber. Inone example embodiment, four input fibers 702 enter a splitter module500 and thirty-two pigtail fibers 704 exit the splitter module 500.Further information regarding the splitter module 500 can be found inthe U.S. application Ser. No. 11/354,297, entitled “Fiber Optic SplitterModule,” that was filed on a date concurrent herewith, and which ishereby incorporated by reference. Additional information on other typesof splitter modules can be found at U.S. application Ser. No.10/980,978, filed Nov. 3, 2004, entitled “Fiber Optic Module And SystemIncluding Rear Connectors;” U.S. application Ser. No. 11/138,063, filedMay 25, 2005, entitled “Fiber Optic Splitter Module;” U.S. applicationSer. No. 11/215,837, filed Aug. 29, 2005, entitled “Fiber Optic SplitterModule With Connector Access;” and U.S. application Ser. No. 11/321,696,filed Dec. 28, 2005, entitled “Splitter Modules For Fiber DistributionHubs,” the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-10, the splitter modules 500 and storagemodules 600 can be incrementally added to the swing frame 300. FIG. 9illustrates a splitter module 500 having multiple connectorized pigtails704 exiting from a protective boot 510 on the splitter module 500. Theconnectorized pigtails 704 are typically stored in one or more storagemodules 600 prior to installation on the swing frame 300. In someembodiments, the connector 706 of each pigtail 704 is secured in astorage module 600 before the splitter module 500 leaves the factory.Typically, the connectorized pigtails 704 of each splitter module 500are routed to four storage modules 600 each holding eight connectors.

The storage module 600 includes a body 610 having a front side 602 and arear side 604. The body 610 is configured to hold at least one fiberconnector 706. Typically, the body 610 is configured to hold about eightconnectors 706. In some embodiments, the body 610 is arranged to retainthe fiber connectors 706 in a single row configuration. In otherembodiments, the body 610 can be arranged to hold the connectors 706 ina square pattern or in any other desired configuration. More informationregarding the storage modules 600 can be found in U.S. application Ser.No. 10/610,325, filed on Jun. 30, 2003, entitled “Fiber Optic ConnectorHolder and Method;” U.S. application Ser. No. 10/613,764, filed on Jul.2, 2003, entitled “Telecommunications Connection Cabinet;” and U.S.application Ser. No. 10/871,555, filed on Jun. 18, 2004, entitled“Multi-position Fiber Optic Connector Holder and Method,” thedisclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

In some embodiments, the body 610 is designed to snap into one of theopenings 314 defined in the storage region 313 of the main panel 310.The openings 314 can be arranged in any desired configuration within thestorage region 313 of the main panel 310. In the example shown in FIG.10, the storage region 313 of the main panel 310 defines nine openings314 in a rectangular pattern. Each opening 314 is configured to receivea storage module body 610 arranged to retain eight fiber connectors 706in a row.

As shown in FIG. 10, when the splitter module 500 is loaded into thesplitter module housing 322 during installation, the correspondingstorage modules 600 are loaded onto the storage region 313 of the mainpanel 310. For ease in viewing, only one splitter 500 having one pigtail704 and one storage module 600 is illustrated. The pigtail 704 extendingfrom the splitter module 500 to the storage module 600 is routed fromthe protective boot 510, across the top panel 320, down through thechannel B on the front side of the secondary panel 315, and across thebottom panel 330 of the swing frame 300.

To accomplish this routing, the top panel 320 and secondary panel 315include cable management arrangements. In some embodiments, the cablemanagement arrangements on the top panel 320 include a first spool 952positioned between the splitter housing 322 and the bend radius limiter962 and a second spool 954 positioned between the bend limiter 940 andthe front flange 342. Pigtails 704 output from the splitter 500 arefirst wrapped around the first spool 952 and then around the secondspool 954.

A bend radius limiter 964 having tabs 965 and extending downward fromthe top panel 320 partially defines the channel B. From the second spool954, some of the pigtails 704 are routed over the bend limiter 964 andinto the channel B. In some embodiments, a partial fiber spool 966 ismounted to extend from the protruding portion 325 of the secondary panel315 and is also oriented to route fiber into the channel B. To avoidexcessive weight or entanglement of the fibers 704, some of the fibers704 can be routed into channel B over the partial spool 966 instead ofbend limiter 964. Extra slack can also be taken up by routing thepigtails 704 over spool 966 instead of over bend limiter 964. A bendlimiter 968 can also be mounted on the protruding portion 325 of thesecondary panel 315 and oriented to route fiber up to the partial spool966.

The front of the secondary panel 315 includes at least one row ofpartial spools 970 and at least one row of radius limiters 980. In oneexample embodiment, the partial spools 970 are oriented to enable fiberrouted down channel B to wrap at least partially around one of thespools 970. The fiber can travel from the partial spools 970 eitheralong the bottom panel 330 to the storage modules 600 or over thelimiters 980 to the termination modules 400. The limiters 980 areoriented to enable fiber routed from the partial spools 970 to travel tothe termination modules 400 without excessive bending.

Referring now to FIG. 11, when a pigtail 704 retained in a storagemodule 600 should be connected to a subscriber distribution line 708,the corresponding connector 706 is removed from the storage module 600and transferred to the appropriate adapter 450 on a termination module400. During this transfer process, the fiber may need to be rewoundaround a different partial spool 970, such as partial spool 972, inorder to reach the adapter 450. From the partial spool 972, the fibercan be routed around a suitable limiter 980 to avoid excessive bendingbefore reaching the adapter 450. In some embodiments, the fiber is alsofed through support fingers 990 extending from the termination section311 of the main panel 310 before plugging into the adapter 450. When allof the fibers 704 originally secured in the storage module 600 have beenrouted to subscriber termination modules 400, the empty storage modules600 can be removed to make room for a new splitter module 500 and newstorage modules 600.

Referring now to FIGS. 12A-12B, as time passes and the number ofsubscribers increases, a user can add termination modules 400 to theswing frame 300. FIGS. 12A and 12B show one example of a terminationmodule 400. The termination module 400 includes a termination leg 410and a management leg 420 arranged in a substantially L-shapedconfiguration. In some embodiments, a linking section 430 connects thetermination leg 410 to the management leg 420. In other embodiments, thelinking section 430 is monolithically formed with either the terminationleg 410 or the management leg 420. In still other embodiments, thetermination leg 410, the management leg 420, and the linking section 430are monolithically formed (e.g., are constructed as a single piece ofbent sheet metal).

In some embodiments, a front side of the termination leg 410 of thetermination module 400 (shown in FIG. 12B) mounts to the rear side ofthe main panel 310. In one embodiment, the termination leg 410 mounts tothe main panel 310 using screws 417. In other embodiments, however,other fasteners such as bolts, rivets, nails, and other such devices canbe used to connect the module 400 to the main panel 310. In still otherembodiments, the module 400 can be attached to the main panel 310 usingadhesive.

Each termination module 400 includes at least one row of fiber opticadapters 450 for connecting the fibers of the main cable 700 to thefibers of the distribution cable 708. Each adapter 450 has a front end452 and a rear end 454. The front end 452 of each adapter 450 isconfigured to retain a connector 714 of a fiber 712 interfaced with themain line 700, or the connector 706 of a fiber 704 split from the mainline 700. The rear end 454 of each adapter 450 is configured to retain aconnector 710 of a fiber of the distribution cable 708. The adapters 450protrude through the termination leg 410 so that the connectors 706enter the front ends 452 of the adapters 450 from a front side of themain panel 310 and the connectors 710 of the distribution cable 708enter the adapters 450 from a rear side of the main panel 310.

In the depicted embodiment, each module 400 includes six horizontal rowsof adapters 450 that cooperate to define two side-by-side banks ofadapters. When the module 400 is mounted to the main panel 310, thefront side of the leg 410 abuts against the backside of the main panel310, and the rows of adapters 450 project forwardly through thecorresponding horizontal slots 314 defined by the panel 310.

The management leg 420 extends rearwardly from the termination leg 410.Each management leg 420 includes an appropriate number of fanouts 424 toaccommodate the number of adapters 450 on the module 400. For example,in one embodiment, the termination leg 410 of a module 400 includes sixrows of adapters 450, each row having twelve adapters 450, and themanagement leg 420 includes six 12:1 fanouts 424. As the term is usedherein, a 12:1 fanout is a fanout configured to receive twelve opticalfibers and to output a single-cable ribbon containing the twelve fibers.In another embodiment, nine 8:1 fanouts or three 24:1 fanouts could beprovided instead of the 12:1 fanouts. In still other embodiments,fanouts can be used to upjacket the fiber.

In some embodiments, the termination module 400 is precabled at thefactory to include a connectorized distribution fiber 708 coupled toeach adapter 450. Dust caps 453 are generally provided on the front ends452 of the adapters 450 to protect the terminated distribution fibers708 from dust, dirt, and other contaminants. The connector 710 of eachdistribution fiber 708 is mounted within the rear end 454 of an adapter450 and the distribution fibers 708 are routed from the connector 710 tothe fanouts 424 provided on the management leg 420 of the terminationmodule 400. In still other embodiments, the termination module 400 isnot precabled and dust caps 455 are also provided on the rear ends 454of the adapters 450 to protect the adapters 450.

In some embodiments, the management leg 420 of the termination module400 also includes at least one cable management device 425 for managingexcess fiber length of the distribution fibers 708. Generally, in suchsystems, the fibers 708 are routed first to the cable management device425 and then to the fanouts 424. Examples of cable management devices425 include a fiber spool, one or more radius bend limiters, one or morefiber clips, and other such devices. In the example shown, themanagement leg 420 includes a fiber spool 426 formed from two radiusbend limiters. Each radius bend limiter includes a flange 427 forretaining the fiber on the spool 426. In some embodiments, one or morefiber cable clips 428 for retaining fiber cables can be spaced betweenthe radius bend limiters of the spool 426.

Referring now to FIG. 13, the management leg 420 of the terminationmodule 400 includes an opening 422 through which the fibers are routedfrom the cable management devices 425 to the fanouts 424. Upon exitingthe fanouts 424, the ribbon fibers are routed to a cabinet fanout (notshown) or other cable interface device. In other embodiments, thefanouts 424 are provided on the same side of the management leg 420 asthe cable management device 425. In such embodiments, the ribbon fibersare routed from the fanouts 424 through the openings 422 and to thecabinet fanout. The cabinet fanout is mounted to the interior of thecabinet 201 and is not attached to the swing frame 300. The cabinetfanout can be used to reduce the ribbon fibers into a single jacketedstub cable that exits the FDH 200. The stub cable is spliced to asubscriber distribution cable outside of the FDH 200. In variousembodiments, the stub cable ranges in length from about 25 feet to about300 feet. In other embodiments, the distribution cable 708 can be routedinto the cabinet 201 and spliced or otherwise connected to the fiber708.

Referring now to FIG. 14, the rear side 304 of the swing frame 300 formsan open chamber adapted to house at least one termination module 400.The open chamber is defined by the bulkhead 301, the top panel 320, thebottom panel 330, and the side panel 340. FIG. 14 is a rear perspectiveview of four termination modules 400 mounted in the open chamber. Theadapters 450 have been removed for ease in viewing. In otherembodiments, any desired number of termination modules 400 can bemounted on the swing frame 300. The termination modules 400 areconfigured to mount to the rear side of the termination region 311 ofthe main panel 310.

FIG. 15 shows a left side view of a swing frame 300 having fourtermination modules 400 mounted therein. When multiple terminationmodules 400 are mounted to the rear side of the main panel 310, themanagement legs 420 of the termination modules 400 form a partial sidepanel opposing the side panel 340. In some embodiments, the managementlegs 420 of the modules 400 are secured to one another or to the swingframe 300. In other embodiments, shown in FIG. 15, the modules 400 aresecured to the swing frame 300 only at the termination leg 410 and themanagement legs 420 are free floating.

Referring now to FIGS. 16-19, the swing frame 300 can be configured withdifferent interface devices 800 (see FIG. 3) and cable managementdevices to create multiple fiber pathways between the incoming feedercable 700 and the distribution lines 708. The interface devices 800 andmanagement devices used in a particular configuration will depend onwhether it is desirable to split the feeder cable 700 and what type ofsplitter module 500 is utilized.

In some embodiments, the feeder cable 700 connects to one or moresplitter input fibers 702. In one such embodiment, a first end 701 of asplitter input fiber 702 is connectorized. In another such embodiment,the first end 701 is unconnectorized. The opposite end 703 of the inputfiber 702 can either interface with an integral connector 520 on thesplitter module 500, such as when using the splitter module depicted inFIGS. 8A-8C, or can penetrate the splitter housing 505. In otherembodiments, however, the feeder cable 700 has connectors configured tointerface with integral connectors 520 of the splitter module 500.

FIG. 16 is a rear view of the swing frame 300 adapted to interface aconnectorized feeder cable 700 with a splitter module 500. To accomplishthis interface, the cable management devices are arranged according to aconfiguration C1. In configuration C1, a cable storage spool 922 and oneor more partial storage spools 924 are mounted to the side panel 340 ofthe swing frame 300. A fanout device 926 is mounted adjacent the spools922, 924. A radius limiter 936 is mounted from the secondary panel nearthe corner formed by the top panel 320 and side panel 340. Supportfingers 932 projecting downward from the top panel 320 form a path Aalong which fibers can be routed from one end 329 of the top panel 320to the other end 328. In some embodiments, the support fingers 932include a multi-pronged clip 934 having at least two fingers 932, eachfinger 932 extending in a different direction. In one exampleembodiment, the multi-pronged clip 934 includes four fingers 932positioned orthogonally relative to one another. Any excess fiber lengthcan be taken up by winding the pigtails 702 around the multi-prongedclip 934. A limiter 940 having tabs 945 extends from the top panel.

To connect the feeder cable 700 to the splitter 500, the cable 700 isfirst routed around spools 922, 924 and then to the fanout device 926.The fanout device 926 separates the fibers of the feeder cable 700 intoindividual input fibers. Any excess length of the individual fibers ofthe feeder cable 700 can be stored by wrapping the fibers around thespools 922, 924. The fibers of the feeder cable 700 are next routedaround the limiter 936 and along the path A using the support fingers932 projecting downward from the top panel 320. The feeder cable 700 isnext curved around the limiter 940 extending from the top panel 320 andplugged directly into at least one of the adapter assemblies 530 securedto the splitter module housing 322. The fibers of the feeder cable 700can be protected while being routed within the swing frame 300 by loosebuffer tubes.

FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view of the swing frame 300 adapted tointerface a connectorized feeder cable 700 to a splitter module 500. Thecable management devices are arranged according to a variation ofconfiguration C1. The storage spools 922, 924 and fanout device 926 aremounted to the rear side of the secondary panel 315 rather than the sidepanel 340. In other embodiments (not shown), the storage spools 922, 924and fanout device 926 could be mounted to the bottom panel 330.Regardless of the location of the spools 922, 924 and fanout device 926,the feeder cable 700 is still routed from the fanout device 926 to thebend limiter 936, along path A, over the bend limiter 940 and to theadapter assembly 530 mounted on the splitter module housing 322.

Referring now to FIGS. 18-19, the feeder cable 700 can be interfacedwith splitter inputs 702 using at least one interface device 800 ratherthan connecting directly to the splitter 500. FIG. 18 is a rearperspective view of the swing frame 300 configured to interface aconnectorized feeder cable 700 with a splitter module 500 throughintermediate splitter input fibers 702. Each splitter input fibers 702has a first connectorized end 703 that plugs into one of the adapterassemblies 530 opposite the integral connectors 520 of the splitters500. In other embodiments not using a splitter having an integralconnector, however, the splitter input 702 is a pigtail that penetratesthe splitter housing 505 rather than plugging into an adapter assembly530. Each splitter input fibers 702 also has a second connectorized end701 that interfaces with a connectorized end of a fiber of the feedercable 700.

Such input pigtails 702 are routed from the adapter assembly 530 overthe bend radius limiter 940 and underneath the top panel 320 as shown inFIG. 16. In particular, the input pigtails 702 are routed along the pathA towards the side panel 340 using the support fingers 932 and thenaround the radius bend limiter 936. The ends 701 of the input pigtailsare then connected to the feeder cable 700 using a first adapter module820. In some embodiments, the first adapter module is mounted to thesecondary panel 315 adjacent the bottom panel 330. In other embodiments,however, the first adapter module 820 can be secured to the bottom panel330 or the side panel 340. The first adapter module 820 includesmultiple adapters 825 arranged in one or more rows. In some embodiments,each row includes about six adapters 825. Additional informationregarding the adapter module 820 can be found in U.S. application Ser.No. 11/095,033, filed Mar. 31, 2005, and entitled “Adapter BlockIncluding Connector Storage;” and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,497,444; 5,717,810;5,758,003; and 6,591,051, the disclosures of which are herebyincorporated by reference.

In order to connect the feeder cable 700 to the first adapter module820, additional cable management devices are provided according to asecond configuration C2. The second configuration C2 includes a fanoutdevice 901 and one or more full or partial slack storage fiber spools902, 904, respectively. In the example shown, the fanout device 901 andstorage spools 902, 904 are mounted to the bottom panel 330.

The feeder cable 700 is first routed to the fanout device 901, whichseparates the fibers of the ribbon cable 700 into individual fibers. Anyexcess length of the individual fibers of the feeder cable 700 can bestored in the slack storage spool 902 and partial slack storage spools904. The fibers of the feeder cable 700 are next routed to the firstadapter module 820. The connectorized ends of the feeder cable 700 aremounted into one end of the adapters 825 of the first adapter module820. The connectorized ends 701 of the input fibers 702 are routed fromthe radius limiter 936 to the opposite end of the adapters 825 of thefirst adapter module 820. The adapters 825 provide an interface betweenthe connectors of the feeder cable fibers 700 and the connectors 701 ofthe input fibers 702.

FIG. 19 is a rear perspective view of the swing frame 300 configured foruse with a splitter module and a feeder cable 700 having unconnectorizedends. The feeder cable 700 is spliced to splitter input fibers 702having unconnectorized second ends 701. In order to connect the feedercable 700 to the unconnectorized fiber inputs 702, a splice tray 830 isprovided at the rear side 304 of the swing frame 300.

In order to connect the feeder cable 700 to the splice tray 830,additional cable management devices are provided according to a thirdconfiguration C3. The third configuration C3 includes a fanout device907 and one or more radius bend limiters 906 mounted around the splicetray 830. Additionally, at least one radius bend limiter 908 ispositioned adjacent the splice tray 830. Each limiter 906 includes a tab907 to maintain the fibers in a loop around the limiters 906. Thelimiters 906 are oriented to prevent fiber from catching on the cornersof the splice tray 830. In some embodiments, the splice tray 830 andlimiters 906 are positioned on the back of the secondary panel 315. Inother embodiments, however, the splice tray 830 and limiters 906 can bepositioned in any desired location at the rear side 304 of the swingframe 300.

The unconnectorized ends of the feeder cable 700 are routed around thelimiters 906 and to the splice tray 808. Any excess length of theindividual fibers of the feeder cable 700 can be stored by wrapping thefibers around the splice tray 830. The input fibers 702 from thesplitter module 500 are routed from the radius limiter 936 around thelimiter 908 and into the splice tray 830. The unconnectorized ends ofthe feeder cable 700 are then spliced with the unconnectorized ends 701of the input fibers 702.

Still referring to FIGS. 16-19, in some embodiments, it may be desirablenot to split one or more of the feeder cables 700 to enable transmissionof a stronger or more reliable signal to a subscriber. In someembodiments, therefore, the swing frame 300 is further configured toenable at least one fiber (referred to as a pass-through fiber) 712 tointerface with a fiber from the feeder cable 700. The pass-through fiber712 bypasses the splitter modules 500 and proceeds to the front of theswing frame 300 to interface with a distribution line 708.

To accomplish such a routing, the swing frame 300 includes an opening910 in the rear flange 344 of the side panel 340. In some embodiments,the opening 910 includes a radius limiter 912 (best seen in FIG. 13)extending outward from the outside surface of flange 344 to preventexcessive bending of a fiber routed through the opening 910. A tab 915can also be pressed outward in rear flange 344 to define a channel upthe outer side of the rear flange 344. A radius bend limiter 962 linksthe rear flange 344 of the side panel 340 to the top panel 320.Additional cable management devices are provided based on theconfiguration C1, C2, C3 with which the swing frame 300 is set up.

Referring to FIG. 17, if the swing frame 300 is arranged according toconfiguration C1, then the connectorized fibers of the feeder cable 700are connected to the input fibers 702 using a second adapter module 810.The adapter module 810 includes multiple fiber optic adapters 815configured to accept connectorized fibers from either end. The swingframe 300 also includes additional cable management in the form of abend radius limiter 906 and slack storage spools 902, 904.

To bypassing the splitter modules 500, the feeder cable 700 is stillrouted around spools 922, 924 to the fanout device 926. From the fanoutdevice 926, however, the feeder cable fibers 700 are routed back aroundspools 922, 924, around bend limiter 926 and then around spools 902,904. From the spools 902, 904, the connectorized ends of the fibers 700are secured to the adapter module 810. The adapter module 810 connectsthe fibers 700 with connectorized ends of pass-through fibers 712 thatare routed out the opening 910, up the side panel 340, over the limiter962, and onto the top panel 320. From the top panel 320, thepass-through fibers 712 are routed towards the termination modules 400as described above with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

Referring to FIG. 18, pass-through fibers 712 can also be used with thesecond configuration C2. The feeder cable 700 is still routed first tothe fanout device 901 and then to one end of the adapter module 820 withany slack being stored in spools 902, 904. However, instead of splitterpigtails 702 connecting to the other end of the adapter module 820, thepass-through pigtails 712 are plugged into the adapter module 820. Thepass-through pigtails 712 then follow the same routing pattern asdiscussed in the previous paragraph.

Referring to FIG. 19, the pass-through pigtails 712 can also be splicedto unconnectorized ends of the feeder cable 700. If such a configurationis desired, then the swing frame 300 is provided with the second adaptermodule 810 discussed above with reference to FIG. 17. The feeder cable700 is still routed around limiters 906 and up to the splice tray 830according to the configuration C3. Any excess length of the individualfibers of the feeder cable 700 can be stored by wrapping the fibersaround the limiters 906. However, the fibers of the feeder cable 700 arespliced to connectorized pigtails 711 rather than to the splitter inputs702. From the splice tray 830, the connectorized pigtails 711 are routedaround the storage spools 902, 904 and then plugged into the secondadapter module 810. The second adapter module 810 connects the pigtails711 with the pass-through connectorized fibers 712 that are routed outof the opening 910, up the side panel 340 to the limiter 962, and ontothe top panel 320.

The pass-through fibers 712 bypass the splitter module 500 and arerouted around the second fiber spool 954 of the top panel 320 and intothe channel B via either the limiter 964 or the partial spool 966. Therouting of the pass-through fiber 712 along the front side 302 of theswing frame is substantially the same as the routing of the splitterpigtails 704 discussed above with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.Typically, a pass-through fiber 712 is immediately connected to asubscriber line 708 via an adapter 450 on a termination module 400. Insome embodiments, however, the pass-through fibers 712 can be stored inempty locations on the storage modules 600.

The above specification, examples and data provide a completedescription of the manufacture and use of the composition of theinvention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention, the inventionresides in the claims hereinafter appended.

1. A fiber distribution hub adapted to provide an interface between anincoming fiber and a plurality of outgoing fibers, the fiberdistribution hub comprising: a cabinet having an interior and a door foraccessing the interior of the cabinet; a swing frame having a frontside, a rear side and a top surface, the swing frame having atermination region including a termination panel and a plurality oftermination adapters, the swing frame having a splitter mounting regionlocated adjacent the swing frame top surface and a splitter located atthe splitter mounting region for splitting signals of the incoming fiberto a plurality of splitter fibers, the swing frame being pivotallymounted within the cabinet wherein the swing frame is movable between afirst position where the swing frame is inside the cabinet and a secondposition where the swing frame extends at least partially outside thecabinet; and a bend radius limiter, the bend radius limiter beingmounted to the swing frame, wherein at least a portion of the bendradius limiter is at an elevated position relative to the swing frametop surface; wherein at least a portion of the plurality of splitterfibers are routed along a splitter fiber routing path located on theswing frame, the splitter fiber routing path extending from the splittermounting region, across the swing frame top surface, up and over thebend radius limiter, and from the bend radius limiter at least partiallydown the front side of the swing frame; wherein the splitter fiberrouting path includes at least a portion that extends laterally acrossthe front side of the swing frame to the termination region; and whereinthe splitter fiber routing path extends downwardly from the bend radiuslimiter along the front side of the swing frame to a spool structure,around the spool structure and then back upwardly along the front sideof the swing frame before being routed laterally across the front sideof the swing frame to the termination region.
 2. The fiber distributionhub of claim 1, wherein the swing frame defines a vertical channelextending along the front side of the swing frame and on a side of thetermination region opposite a swing frame pivot mounting location,wherein the vertical channel is part of the splitter fiber routing pathat the location where the splitter fibers are routed at least partiallydown the swing frame front side, and wherein the spool structure ismounted at the vertical channel.
 3. The fiber distribution hub of claim1, wherein the termination panel has at least one opening, wherein thetermination region includes an adapter module including an adaptermounting panel and a plurality of termination adapters mounted to theadapter mounting panel, the termination adapters including front endsand rear ends, the adapter mounting panel being secured to the rear sideof the termination panel with the front ends of the termination adaptersextending forwardly through the at least one opening of the terminationpanel, the adapter module also including rear fiber optic connectorsmounted within the rear ends of the termination adapters, the rear fiberoptic connectors being connected to the outgoing fibers.
 4. The fiberdistribution hub of claim 1, wherein the splitter region includes atleast one splitter module mounted in a splitter housing, the splitterhousing being mounted to the top surface of the swing frame, thesplitter module having a plurality of splitter fibers of substantiallythe same length, the splitter fibers having connectorized ends, whereinat least a portion of the connectorized ends are connected to a portionof the termination adapters of the termination modules.
 5. The fiberdistribution hub of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the pluralityof splitter fibers are routed along a second splitter fiber routing pathlocated on the swing frame, the second splitter fiber routing pathextending from the splitter region, across the swing frame top surface,over a bend radius limiter which is substantially flush with the swingframe top surface, at least partially down the swing frame front sideand laterally across at least a portion of the front side of the swingframe to the termination region.
 6. The fiber distribution hub of claim1, wherein the spool structure comprises a partial spool.
 7. A fiberdistribution hub adapted to provide an interface between an incomingfiber and a plurality of outgoing fibers, the fiber distribution hubcomprising: a cabinet having an interior and a door for accessing theinterior of the cabinet; a swing frame having a front side, a rear sideand a top surface, the swing frame having a termination region includinga termination panel and a plurality of termination adapters, the swingframe having a splitter mounting region located adjacent the swing frametop surface and a splitter located at the splitter mounting region forsplitting signals of the incoming fiber to a plurality of splitterfibers, the swing frame being pivotally mounted within the cabinetwherein the swing frame is movable between a first position where theswing frame is inside the cabinet and a second position where the swingframe extends at least partially outside the cabinet; a bend radiuslimiter, the bend radius limiter being mounted to the swing frame,wherein at least a portion of the bend radius limiter is at an elevatedposition relative to the swing frame top surface; wherein at least aportion of the plurality of splitter fibers are routed along a splitterfiber routing path located on the swing frame, the splitter fiberrouting path extending from the splitter mounting region, across theswing frame top surface, up and over the bend radius limiter, and fromthe bend radius limiter at least partially down the front side of theswing frame; wherein a vertical row of spool structures is provided atthe front side of the swing frame; wherein the splitter fiber routingpath includes at least a portion that extends laterally across the frontside of the swing frame to the termination region; and wherein thesplitter fiber routing path extends downwardly from the bend radiuslimiter along the front side of the swing frame to a selected one of thespool structures, around the selected one of the spool structures andthen back upwardly along the front side of the swing frame before beingrouted laterally across the front side of the swing frame to thetermination region.
 8. The fiber distribution hub of claim 7, whereinthe spool structures comprise partial spools.
 9. The fiber distributionhub of claim 7, wherein the front side of the swing frame includes avertical channel, and wherein the vertical row of spool structures ispositioned within the vertical channel.
 10. The fiber distribution hubof claim 1, wherein the bend radius limiter includes a partial spool.11. The fiber distribution hub of claim 9, wherein the partial spoolcomprises a half-spool.